Eight days after Cameroonians went to the polls, the National Vote Counting Commission has released provisional results indicating a victory for incumbent President Paul Biya.
According to the Commission, Biya secured over 53% of the votes, ahead of his main challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35%.
However, the announcement has been met with strong resistance from the opposition. Tchiroma, who has rejected the official figures, maintains that he won the election and has been releasing his own tallies showing him in the lead with approximately 60% of the votes.
“The people have made their choice, and that choice must be respected,” Tchiroma declared in a statement issued just two days after the polls.
Rising Tensions and Protests
The disputed results have sparked widespread demonstrations across Cameroon, with protesters accusing authorities of electoral fraud and demanding greater transparency.
Several cities have witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security forces as tensions continue to rise.
Awaiting Final Declaration
The Constitutional Council is expected to publish the official election results by October 26, which will confirm or overturn the provisional outcome.
If validated, the results would see Paul Biya, now 92 years old, extend his remarkable 42-year tenure at the helm of Cameroon, cementing his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
